Wednesday, November 30, 2011

The La Compañía de Jesús (Jesuit) Church rivals the Cusco Cathedral in its beauty, both sitting on the Incan capital's main square. This church which looks superb with its night lighting replaced the reportedly resplendent Incan leader's palace. Both feature Christian and local artworks including the cathedral's quirky Last Supper where the main feast is guinea pig.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Trains are one of the most romantic ways to travel, because they offer not only comfort and, some of them, even luxury, but also the opportunity to enjoy amazing landscapes as no other means of transportation. Thus, the beauty of the sights, the charm of the restless, diverse train stations and comfort combined make these railways the best in the world.

1. Glacier Express

One of the most appreciated railways in the world and one of the most celebrated trains of all time, is the one connecting the train stations of Zermatt and St. Moritz resorts,. This unforgettable journey through the Swiss Alps ranks first in many people’s preferences. The panoramic windows, which are placed even in the roof and the multitude of modern conveniences, make the trip worth its price.

2. Centovalli

The 105 minutes journey from Domossola, in Italy to Locarno, Switzerland, is justly named Centovalli as the travelers pass through 100 side valleys of a natural splendor. The charm of the little carriages, the spectacular views as well as the picturesque train stations are worth the price of the ticket!

3. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

This historical line was once used for gold-ore mining and the steam locomotives that were built in the 1920s give an extra charm to this trip. The main attraction of the line is nevertheless the majestic mountain landscape which becomes particularly beautiful in the Animas River gorge area.

4. Indian Pacific

This is the train (top photo) that makes the connection between the western and eastern Australia and is famous for being the railway with the longest straight section of track in the entire world, 478 km across the infertile plain of Bullarbor.

5. Trans-Siberian

The longest railway in the world links Moscow to the Far East Russia and the Sea of Japan. A branch line also takes travelers to China and Mongolia. Today, the new railway called “Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian” is privately owned and offers great comfort to the passengers, which is quite necessary if you think that the entire journey could last for more than a week! Not to worry though, the modern trains include showers with floor heating and many other facilities and there are also long stops in the train stations to make use of ATMs, for example.

6. Eurostar

This is a delightful journey which will benefit travelers with time to spare and a taste for luxury. One of the most amazing train stations in the world, St Pancras, in London, is especially designed to host the high-speed Eurostar. Traveling from London to Paris and Brussels was never more appealing than with this world famous railway.

7. Venice-Simplon Orient Express

Famous all over the world is the historical Orient Express which stopped running in 2009. However, the private Venice Simplon Orient Express took over the original routs – including the famous Paris-Istanbul line, but also acquired the vintage trains, with carriages dating from the 20s. Thus, a journey with the Orient Express remains as enjoyable as it was for decades.

8. The Canadian

The most beautiful way to travel between Toronto and Vancouver is by means of the VIA (Via Rail Canada) railway which allows you to discover the wonderful sights of endlessly green forests, of the colossal snowy mountains and of the comfortable silver carriages that come right from the 50s.

9. New Jalpaiguri-Darjeeling

One of the World Heritage sites, the toy train to Darjeeling offers its travelers amazing views of the Himalayas and of the Kanchenjunga. The beauty of this journey is incontestable, though it is more for the adventurous souls, as India, with its colors, scents and wilderness is not for everybody. Connecting the plain train stations to hill ones, the 88 km long journey will offer you 8 hours of enchantment.

10. Settle and Carlisle

This is most amazing railway in the entire England, especially for those who appreciate the overwhelming beauty of mountain landscapes. At north of Settle there is the Yorkshire Dales National Park; the entire line bursts with life and color, as the trains “attack” Yorkshire’s three peaks: Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. Leaving from one of the most picturesque train stations in the world, the Victorian Settle Station, this railway will offer travelers the journey of their lives.

Look Travel Network is the practical guide that will inform you on trains and train stations, parks, bridges, airports, fun guide and landmarks . Go and enjoy your trips and journeys.

Friday, November 25, 2011

Despite staggering up and down 268 steps in sweltering Hong Kong humidity to enjoy the sight of Tian Tan Big Buddha at close range, a visit to the Wisdom Path is warranted. Separate from the Po Lin Monastery and only a short walk away past a teahouse, the path is marked by 38 wooden poles in the shape of an infinity (∞ - like a sideways eight) symbol. The Chinese characters written at the top of each pole represents the most popular of Buddhist scriptures, the Heart Sutra regarding a path to enlightenment.

The walk leads up a slight rocky slope weaving in a symbolic figure-8 past the various posts. Numerous folks bump into each other as eyes look skyward soaking in the scripts at the top of the poles rather than watching their path. From the peak of the tiny slope, hiking paths snake off in various directions including the sapping walk up Lantau Peak or Sunset Peak, the 70 kilometre Lantau Trail and shorter paths of a few kilometres to several other monasteries (Kwun Yum and Tsu Hing to name two) or the coastline of Lantau Island. I’ve never had a chance to undertake any of these other walks apart from a short stroll away from the main monastery area.

The main gate beautifully frames the Big Buddha and is carved in Chinese calligraphy. The other side of the delicate gate is Po Lin Monastery, an impressive collection of halls, temples, gates, gardens and shops that bustles with people. It lacks the quiet and tranquil feeling that other Buddhist temples carry.

The Main Shrine Hall is a riot of bright colours dripping in reds, golds and oranges. Three modestly sized seated golden Buddhas sit at its centre representing the past, present and future.

Incense burns continuously from a small urn outside the main hall while some escape from the crowds are possible in the gardens that include a peaceful lotus pond and an orchid garden.

The monastery’s kitchen past the main shrine is packed with diners having purchased coupons for lunch. While the hall is chaotic and noisy with chatter, the vegetarian meals are filling and nourishing and include soups, rice, vegetables and deep-fried treats.

Tian Tan Buddha and Po Lin Monastery are a worthy day trip from the hectic centre of Hong Kong, especially when coupled with the spectacular Ngong Ping cablecar ride. Avoid weekends as it gets ridiculously busy and also the audio-visual themed shows that are right next to the unloading area of the cablecar. Try to get away from the temple complex and walk a short distance along the paths with wonderful sweeping hills to feel a little of the serenity that the monastery must have had before overrun with visitors.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Located on the very tip of the African continent, at the point where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans collide, is the beautiful city of Cape Town. Tourists and locals are treated to breathtaking views of land and sea at every turn and beaches so perfect they will spoil other countries offerings in a heartbeat. Expect to dine upon the freshest seafood served as standard at the best Cape Town restaurants washed down with a bottle of the regions finest. Here is a list of the Top Five activities during your time in town.

1. Table Mountain

No matter where you are staying, there is no doubt that you will be able to see this imposing mountain from your Cape Town hotels. Table Mountain is part of the beautiful Table Mountain National Park and if you are into hiking, caving or rock climbing – there are an abundance of great sites to visit. The unusual flat plateau stretches for 3km from side to side with Devil’s Peak to the east and Lion’s Head to the west. Expect to be rewarded with views that you will never forget. If the idea of hiking brings you out in a cold sweat before the walking has even begun we suggest hopping in a cable car that will have you at the top in only 6 minutes.

2. Diving with Great White Sharks

It may sound like something from your worst nightmares but cage diving with Great White Sharks is fast becoming Cape Town’s most popular tourist activity. Once aboard your boat of choice you will be whisked off to nearby Dyer Island which, due to various geographical reasons and the 40,000 strong seal colony, is a popular spot for these beasts of the sea. Once you have braved the cold to hop in to the cage, it will only be minutes before coming face to face with this terrifying ocean predator.

3. Tour the beaches

Whether you prefer secluded coves or long, sandy beaches, Cape Town has it all. Top up your tan, enjoy a lazy afternoon picnic or rub shoulders with the who’s who of Cape Town at trendy hangout, Clifton Beach. Some of the best accommodation in Cape Town offers spectacular ocean views and means you will only be a hop, skip and a jump from the water. If you don’t fancy tackling the surf then you can always swing by False Bay where you can take a dip in the tidal pool.

4. Robben Island

For nearly 400 years, Robben Island was where political opponents, social outcasts and undesirables were exiled. Nelson Mandela spent over two decades incarcerated on Robben Island as the island's most famous prisoner (photo of his cell). You can take a fascinating tour, conducted by ex-political prisoners and learn all about the prison’s history. This spot is a chilling reminder of the price that newly democratic South Africa has paid for their freedom.

5. Take a wine tour

Just a 45-minute drive out of Cape Town is the Stellenbosch wine region, home of much loved tipples Saxenburg and Delheim. This historical university town is home to the countries first wine route which was founded in 1971. You can easily spend a lazy day navigating between wineries and purchasing souvenirs along the way.

With the incomparable Table Mountain at the heart of the city, wonderful surrounding vistas, relaxing beaches, fascinating wildlife and scenic drives, Cape Town deserves its billing as one of the world's premier cities to visit.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

I have been experimenting over the last few weeks with converting photos (see more) to black and white but leaving one small element of colour in them such as the couple of photos with this article. I use an older version of Photoshop Elements (the junior version of Photoshop!) but the general technique should work with most photo editting programs.

The general method is to add a second layer of the same photo over the original and then convert that to black and white (by desaturating all the colour or similar). Small elements of the black and white photo are removed and the resultant colour unearthed from the lower layer shows through revealing the touch of colour.

Here's the step by step guide using Photoshop Elements.

1. Seelct your favourite photo.

2. Click on Layer > New Adjustment Layer.

3. Select Gradient Map (and pick the black and white from the drop down). Note that the foreground colour is now black and the background colour is now white in readiness for step four below. Alternatively, select Hue/Saturation and move the saturation slider to zero.

4. Click on the white square that shows as the adjustment layer (see diagram right with red circle and click on it for a larger view). Ensure black is the foreground colour and use brush or pencil to colour over the element that you want to be coloured. Selection commands such as lasso and magic wand can be used to reduce the risk of colouring over the lines.

5. Relax if you colour over the lines. If you wish to convert some areas back to black and white, switch the foreground/background colour so the foreground colour is white and paint away removing the colour again (hitting "X" automatically swaps the two colours around).

6. Save as a .psd if you wish to work on it further but otherwise simply sit back and enjoy your handiwork.

I'd love to view some of your efforts - please share them in the comments below.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

I have been impressed by the striking nature of some web photos I have seen where the image is in black and white but with a touch of colour being used as a highlight. I'd love to know what you think of this style of photo.

This lighthouse has guarded the southern entrance to Sydney Harbour for over 150 years and is painted a striking red and white like that of a barber's pole. Is this a more interesting photo when the blue of the ocean and the green of the grass are desaturated and only the lighthouse remains with any colour?

Similarly does the violets of the water hyacinths in a Kenyan national park become more striking when the surrounded lily pads are turned monochromatic?For some photos, it is difficult to decide which element to colour. During a recent Sydney festival, this fine musician plays the accordian and saxophone equally adepted, yet does the rich crimson of the accordion make for a more striking photograph?

Or does the silky gold of the saxophone win the day? Or would a full colour photo be preferred?

Monday, November 14, 2011

As the winter months draw nearer we all know it can only mean one thing… Christmas celebrations, New Years Eve parties, manic Christmas shopping and of course snow are coming! If you’re lucky enough to be in Berlin at this festive time of year then you’ll get the chance to experience the winter magic that sets over the city. Here are a few things which you mustn’t miss out on:

Shops, Lights, Snow

Berlin certainly doesn’t suffer from the winter blues, in fact quiet the opposite! Whereas most groan and grumble at the long winter nights Berlin sees it as an opportunity to cover their streets with beautiful lights. For the keen shoppers out there, the infamous shopping street of Kurfürstendamm is beautifully decorated with Christmas decorations and fabulous fairy lights.

Of course snow comes and goes from year to year, but generally if you’re looking for a white winter wonderland Berlin will not disappoint.

Christmas Markets

German Christmas markets are one of the highlights at this festive time of year. Traditionally the winter markets would only last a few days, and would be highly anticipated event in towns, cities and villages all over Germany during the bitterly cold winter months. As the centuries went by they started to mark the beginning of the Christmas period and have become a key part in the German Christmas celebrations.

Berlin is no exception to this magical tradition. In fact you’ll be able to find over 50 Christmas markets in Berlin alone leading up to the 25th of December. The most popular include; Charlottenburg Castle market, Gendarmenmarkt and the Spandau Christmas Market. These merry markets are full festive cheer, and are a nice way to experience a non-commercial, more traditional side to Christmas. Your children will love the traditional toys, skilfully put together by the loving hands of carpenters and blacksmiths (not something you could find in Toys ‘R’ Us!). There are also plenty of other arts and crafts on display; you’ll be able to pick up handmade Christmas decorations, natural sweet smelling soaps and candles, as well as other German delights.

And those for an appetite for German snacks, no matter which market you choose to visit, you’ll always be spoilt for choice by vendors selling hot tasty food, such as sizzling sausages, lebkuchen (gingerbread!), hot chestnuts and dampfnudel (hot dumplings served with vanilla custard, jam or boiled fruit). You should also try the German version of mulled wine – Glühwein, served hot and spicy; it’s always a lovely and warming Christmas drink.

New Years Eve in Berlin

Each year thousands flock to Berlin especially to celebrate the start of a new year and say goodbye to the old one. Berlin is actually host to the biggest New Year’s party in Europe! For most, the Brandenburger Tor (Brandenburg Gate) in the heart of Berlin is the place to be - every year sees free concerts with an impressive line up of acts, as well as a spectacular fireworks display when the clock strikes 12.

If you’re in Berlin for New Years Eve you may notice a rather strange trend happening around the city. It is custom for Germans to melt lead and pour it into cold water to create a unique sculpture. From this each individual will study the shape and derive a possible meaning or symbol into what is in store or what could happen in the year ahead. This bizarre tradition is called bleigiessen and is practised by many every New Years Eve.

Winter Accommodation in Berlin

In order to best enjoy your holiday in Berlin you should ideally have a warm and cozy holiday apartment to go back to! Renting an apartment is a great choice, as it’s more convenient and private than a hotel. It’s a great option for families and young couples who want to save money on general holiday expenses such as eating out. There is an extensive choice of Berlin apartments for rent, which means you’re almost guaranteed to find an apartment to suit both your desired location and your budget.

Friday, November 11, 2011

On a clear day, the Ngong Ping 360 cablecar offers superb views over the variety of Hong Kong’s islands, the Hong Kong airport and sparkling bays and waterways. Peacefully gliding between Lantau’s waterfront and the Tian Tan Buddha, a remarkable 25 minute, 5.7 kilometre cablecar ride takes passengers across a large bay and forested hills to Lantau’s most treasured sight.

Craggy mountains form a backdrop as the scale of the 250-ton, 34 metre Buddha becomes apparent. The Po Lin Buddhist Monastery, a dizzying complex of colourful temples and buildings radiate across the valley below the Buddha while various dusty paths branch into the surrounding hills. In the damp of Hong Kong’s tropical heat and draining humidity, groups of people stagger up a seemingly endless flight of 268-steps towards the towering Big Buddha (built in 1993). Some stride confidently while others droop over railing gasping for a little more air so they may continue their relentless trek. Some devout followers crawl patiently up the large staircase. Graciously and serenely seated on the crest of a hill in a familiar relaxed pose, Buddha appears to blissfully gaze over all of Hong Kong from his ideal vantage point.

Under the giant Buddha are three floors of halls displaying various relatively uninspiring artworks and paintings associated with Buddhism. One room contains a valued relic - a small amount of the supposed cremated remains of Gautama Buddha himself. A grand bell intricately inscribed with Buddhist teachings and scripts rings 108 times every day (which is once every few minutes) symbolically cleansing 108 human failings. Around the Buddha are six devas or gods presenting various offerings that lead to nirvana and enduring happiness while the view from the top platform offers a wonderful panorama of Po Lin Monastery and the hills of Lantau Island.

While the area has an unfortunate palpable commercial feel to it, the surrounding walking trails provide a peaceful escape while the Tian Tan Buddha radiates an aura of power and tranquillity that acts as a balm against the intense crowds and general hustle and bustle of daily life in Hong Kong.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

This lone male elk, resplendent with its fine antlers, contentedly munches juicy grasses. Grazing on the verge of the main highway just outside the stunning Rockies town of Jasper, little traffic probably interrupts this elk in the early hours (one of the best times to see wildlife). While initially a little suspicious of me as shown in this photo, he soon returns to his feeding relaxed that I was harmless, simply snapping a few photos from the other side of the main road.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Imagine yourself laying in Sigmund Freud's Vienna office (photo), on his famous couch, inhaling the thick smoke of his cigar as you're mentally prodded by one of the most famous psychoanalysts in history; how much would you have told him? You could debate Sir Francis Galton's coined nature versus nurture conundrum in your own personality on the short drive from Westminster or Buckingham Palace to his quaint London home of fifty years at Rutland Gate. Whether psychology is a passion, hobby, or your life’s work, if you’re cruising Europe for the best and most intriguing spots there are two you should definitely not miss: the Carl Gustav Jung Institute in Zürich, a charming, beautifully landscaped building whose interior walls are painted in calming patterns with beautiful colors, and Geneva's sites for the famous child psychologist Jean Piaget, such as his bust in Parc de Bastions, the Jean Piaget Auditorium, and the Jean Piaget School at Chêne-Bougeries.

At Berggasse 19, Vienna IX, Freud's Austrian apartment and office still stand. Now known as the Sigmund Freud Museum, and containing the prominent man's original furniture and some antiques, the building still houses apartment dwellers, and proudly displays informative plaques about Freud's presence. An amusing anecdote about Freud's reaction to a visit by Nazi officials at this address is recounted in a New York Times article, along with an interesting history of some of its happenings.

In the nearby country of Switzerland, spread out in the famous city of Geneva, are the Jean Piaget sites; his bust at the gorgeous Parc de Bastions (photo), his auditorium at the University of Geneva, and the Jean Piaget school. His "four stages" theory is used even today by training teachers, despite the many challenges to its validity that have come from other schools of thought, and his impressive list of held positions and awards received marks him as a rare mind and impressive figure in the world of psychology and learning.

Just over three hours away, near Zürich, is the C. G. Jung Institut; named after its founder, the institute began in 1948 and still today trains psychotherapists in Jungian methods. Appointments can be made to visit the library and the picture archives, though the view of the Institut's charming exterior is absolutely free, of course. A contemporary and former friend of Freud, Jung has a long list of publications and awards of his own, but notably, it was his research and work on personality types which influenced the creation of the well-known MBTI questionnaire. His friendship and study with Freud irrevocably ended after one of his publications argued against some of Freud's ideas. Along with his wife and 5 children, he lived in Küsnacht until his death in 1961.

Before you pack your bags and go home, don't forget to stop in London! The home of Sir Francis Galton may seem not at all lavish to the onlooker, but his ancestry was one of significantly prodigious breeding, and is perhaps why he became such a strong proponent of eugenics, and was so fascinated by the human intellect. His significant contributions to the study of the mind include the establishment of differential psychology, which was aided by the work of his illustrious, though perhaps controversial half-cousin, Charles Darwin. It focused on behavioral differences (rather than similarities which contemporary minds sought) within people and groups. It may also be noteworthy to add that Galton was the largest contributor to the idea of using fingerprints for personal identification. Conveniently located only minutes from the incredibly obvious tourist attractions of London, Sir Francis Galton's home at 42 Rutland Gate is an essential stop in a tour of sites in Europe were such large waves were raised in the field of psychology.

The influence of these great European minds still affects us today, though it may not be apparent to us; in our schools and hospitals, in our literature and government and many other unexpected scenarios. Just as many find the ancient sites of great wars and battles to be enthralling and compelling, so to see places where massive steps into the exploration of the human psyche took place can be for the lovers and scholars of the study.

Allison Gamble has been a curious student of psychology since high school. She brings her understanding of the mind to work in the weird world of internet marketing.

Friday, November 4, 2011

One of the finest day trips in Europe can be made via five forms of transport from Switzerland’s picturesque city of Lucerne to the forbidding peak of Pilatus. Named after Pontius Pilate, legend dictates that Pontius Pilate went into exile and committed suicide after the trial of Jesus Christ and had his body dumped into a mountain lake on Pilatus.

In medieval times, it was strictly forbidden to attempt to reach the Pilatus summit for fear of provoking Pilate's wrath. To strengthen the ban, a story abounded that once a year Pilate emerged from the jagged peak and appeared above the lake, dressed in ceremonial robes to unsuccessfully wash his bloodied hands, and anyone who saw him would die within a year.

Today, the spirits and legends have calmed and Pilatus is regularly visited via the Golden Roundtrip (Goldene Rundfahrt). The tour starts with a suburban bus journey (#1) to Kriens before boarding a tiny gondola which takes quarter of an hour to whisk people almost a vertical kilometre to the mountain station of Fräkmüntegg. Switzerland’s longest toboggan run starts from here along with some lovely hikes but the Pilatus peak is reached by taking a larger cable car a further five minutes and another 600 vertical metres to reach 2132 metres above sea level and a stunning panoramic view across Switzerland.

Unlike most of the numerous peaks in Switzerland, Pilatus stands isolated, a mass of grey stone grandly rising above Lucerne and offering panoramic vistas of much of Switzerland. The glistening Lake Lucerne sparkles below, its arms reaching into the verdant Swiss valleys and with the city of Lucerne sprawled along its shoreline. The southern and western views peer over the spectacular Swiss Alps, a veritable ocean of snowy peaks, creaky glaciers and craggy ridgelines including the majestic Mont Blanc and the inconic triple giants of Jungfrau, Monck and Eiger.

Various trails (from a short circle around the peak area to a long trail all the way down the mountain) lead to other panoramic views with cute marmots occasionally nervously watching from their rocky vantage points. A mountain cut-through, ominously named the Dragon’s Walk after the mystical dragons that supposedly inhabit the rocky caves, leads to various short climbs. An historic and a more modern hotel allow folks to spend an overnight stay on this stunning mountain.

Its location in central Switzerland as a stand-alone mountain peak makes it an ideal military point with clear vision to the Swiss borders and gun emplacements built into the mountain side. A small café serves (pricey) silky smooth hot chocolate and various tempting treats that bold dohle, imposing birds with a jet black sheen and yellow beak will gladly seize if your concentration wavers onto the view for even a second.

All walked out and relaxed, the journey down involves riding the world’s steepest cog railway. Praying that the brakes continue to function as they have since 1889 on this historic train and running for 4.5 kilometres at a gradient that reaches 48 degrees, the forty minute journey on the vivid red rail cars weaves its way down Pilatus to the shore of Lake Lucerne at Alpnachstad, where a 70 minute boat cruise across the beautiful Lake Lucerne (the subject of panoramic photos only two hours earlier) and back to the city.

The journey can be done in either direction and I strongly recommend that the trip is started early in the morning as the weather and clouds often reportedly roll in later in the day. While in Lucerne, make sure you check out both the moving Lion statue and the wonderful Chapel Bridge.

In the middle ages a brave monk and a handful of his intrepid followers clambered up Pilatus to confront the spirit of Pilate throwing rocks in the cursed lake. Pilatus stands tall among Swiss mountains, nout juts for its stories but for its spectacular vistas across Switzerland with wonderful alpine hikes and the adventure of being able to travel via boat, cog railway, cable car and gondola as part of the journey.